What we Believe

Greek Orthodoxy

Orthodoxy is a cornerstone of Greek culture and tradition. A few of the fundamental tenets upon which our Holy
Orthodox Church functions are shared below. The Orthodox Church has two great sources of authority:

Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition

Holy Scripture is comprised of the writings of both the New and the Old Testaments. The New Testament reveals the
human and divine nature of Jesus Christ, and His sacred teachings that we are charged to follow. The Old Testament
is a history of the Hebrew people. It contains, among other sacred writings, the prophecies and the writings of the
Prophets that foretold the coming of the Messiah. It therefore serves as an introduction to the revelation and the
saving message of the New Testament.

Holy Tradition, of which Holy Scripture is a part, includes the writings, teachings, acts of the apostles, saints,
martyrs, and fathers of the Church, and her liturgical and sacramental traditions throughout the ages, the oral
tradition of the early Church and the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils. All of this collective wisdom and experience
through the centuries are combined to form this second great source of sacred authority.

The Sacraments

The Sacraments are seven in number. They are the visible means by which the invisible Grace of the Holy Spirit is
imparted to us.

Three are optional:
Matrimony
Holy Orders (Ordination)
Unction (anointment of the sick)

The Church Calendar

The Church Calendar begins on September 1st and ends on August 31st. Each day is sacred for the Orthodox Christian.
The Church venerates at least one saint or sacred even in the life of the Church every day of the year. There are,
however, several major feast days observed annually, and of these Easter, or Pascha, is the most important.

Major Feast Days

Nativity of the Theotokos – September 8th
Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple – November 21st
Christmas – December 25th
Epiphany (Baptism of Christ) – January 6th
Presentation of Christ in the Temple – February 2nd
Annunciation (Evangelismos) – March 25th
Easter (Pascha) – Varies
Ascension – 40 days after Easter
Pentecost – 50 days after Easter
Transfiguration of Christ – August 6th
Dormition of the Theotokos – August 15th

The Divine Liturgy

The central worship service of the Church is the Divine Liturgy, which is celebrated each Sunday morning and on all
holy days. The Liturgy is also the means by which we achieve union with Jesus Christ and unity with each other through
the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Ecumenism

While the Orthodox Church considers herself to be the Mother Church of Christendom, she cooperates with other
churches in programs of educational, philanthropic and social endeavors insofar as this consistent with her theology.
Orthodoxy has become a major force in the universal ecumenical movement of which she was a prime mover through the
encyclical of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople in 1920.

Proud to be part of the Annapolis Community

Throughout its history, the members of this Greek Orthodox Community have shared a slice of our heritage with our neighbors.
With easy access from Routes 50 and 301, our Parish is conveniently located in the heart of Annapolis. Join us for worship and fellowship.